Service Manager - Fine Dining Restaurant

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and hospitality-driven Service Manager to lead the front-of-house team at an upscale, full-service restaurant.

The Service Manager will be responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, developing a high-performing service team, and ensuring flawless execution of daily restaurant operations. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who understands elevated hospitality, has strong food and beverage knowledge, and can confidently lead service in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate is a natural hospitality leader who can inspire a team, anticipate guest needs, maintain high service standards, and create memorable dining experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Staff Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop front-of-house team members.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and coaching.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
• Identify and develop high-potential employees for future leadership opportunities.
• Address performance and employee concerns promptly and professionally.
• Ensure all team members understand and consistently uphold company values and service standards.
• Support the implementation of new operational initiatives and ensure staff adoption.

Training & Education

• Conduct pre-shift meetings, service training, and ongoing education.
• Maintain strong staff knowledge of food, beverage, wine, and service standards.
• Regularly test and evaluate employee knowledge.
• Encourage continued professional development through coaching, recognition, and team education.
• Ensure all training programs and service standards are consistently followed.

Restaurant Operations & Service

• Prepare and communicate daily floor plans and pre-shift information.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and service coverage.
• Confirm all service tools, equipment, and supplies are prepared before service.
• Monitor execution of all steps of service and ensure side work is completed.
• Manage reservations and ensure the dining room is appropriately paced.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures.
• Remain visible and hands-on during service, stepping in wherever needed.
• Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, beverage service, cleanliness, and hospitality.
• Act as a Maitre D when needed and ensure smooth guest flow throughout the restaurant.

Guest Experience

• Ensure every guest receives attentive, professional, and personalized service.
• Conduct regular table touches throughout service.
• Build relationships with guests and cultivate repeat business and regular clientele.
• Identify opportunities to create memorable hospitality moments.
• Address guest complaints and service recovery situations quickly and professionally.
• Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements.
• Maintain a polished and welcoming dining environment.
• Ensure music, lighting, temperature, cleanliness, and overall ambiance support the guest experience.

Food, Beverage & Wine

• Maintain strong knowledge of food, beverage, and wine offerings.
• Ensure service staff can confidently communicate menu items, ingredients, preparations, and beverage selections.
• Support wine sales and beverage revenue through knowledgeable and genuine recommendations.
• Maintain consistent execution of food and beverage service standards.
• Communicate special requests, allergies, dietary restrictions, and VIP needs effectively to the culinary team.

Communication & Team Collaboration

• Serve as a key liaison between the FOH and BOH teams.
• Ensure special requests and guest needs are communicated accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain open communication with the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Executive Chef, and culinary leadership.
• Build trust with service team members through consistent communication, coaching, and support.
• Identify operational challenges and proactively recommend solutions.
• Promote a culture of teamwork and accountability across all departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of management experience in a full-service restaurant.
• Proven experience leading service in an upscale or high-caliber hospitality environment .
• Strong knowledge of fine dining or elevated full-service service standards.
• Experience with wine sales and beverage service.
• Strong food and beverage knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to train, coach, evaluate, and develop employees.
• Strong conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain composed and professional in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong initiative and ability to anticipate guest and operational needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience leading engaging and effective pre-shift meetings.
• Proficiency with POS systems.
• Experience with reservation systems and guest flow management.
• NYC Food Protection Certificate required.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.

Company Description

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.